hope or fingers still crossed

It doesnt seem ok to be commenting on the events of yesterday because Imay be led too far in the slight tinge of hope that came with the culmination of Nawaz- Zardari meeting. For dont we know, when it comes to politicians and actually sleazy characters like Zardari, that nothing is done until it's actually done. The Murree declaration proved to be just another photo-opportunity, media grabbing paper signing washoff. 30 days on, the judges still wait for the green signal to go to the courts. C'mon is it as difficult as the PPP ministers would have us believe? AS someone said, all it requires is political will, which Musharraf had when he set abput sacking these judges.For Musharraf probably it was more than just political will-the boot and the gun was also there. That which politicians can never boast of posessing and that which has proved more potent for Pakistani governance than anything else.

Anyways, all hats off to the media. Som,e may say that it sensationalises and often reascts out of proportion but why do we expect the media to cover just the ordinary or ordinary at all? My writing a blog or going to college unscathed isn't news. Politics is, violence is, poverty is, inflation is news. yesterday GEO reported that despite 8 hours of loadshedding everyday, VVVIPs were getting a regular supply of electricity to their "mansions". And that list of VVVIPs includes ordinary citizens of Pakistan whoi arent even MNAs. Like Shahbaz Sharif; who pays for his expenses???Coming back to the media, this kind of reporting has completely changed the ruler-ruled relationship in our country. I remember how Talat Hussain grilled the new law minister (PPP ovcourse) on the judicial crisis. It was simply awe-inspiring the way the law minister was being made to justify all his statements. the real might of the people was on display. We probably didnt realise this phenomenon until Feb 18 and after because the government before that was never considered representative enough of the masses. Therefore lying almost in the same category as musharraf, "interrogating" them, mpointing out issues to them was a DONE thing. The masses took interest in all that as a subjugated detatched lot, enjoying those few breaks where the tide turned the other way. Now, however, these programs represent the true face of democracy rather that anything else. We respect these people but dont idolise them to the extent that accountability is overlooked.


The media's role in keeping the judges issue alive is also commendable. Zardari fails to realise the strong impact of the media. Yers some may get disillusioned by this continous harping on one issue, but others revel in the enthusiasm of representation. These are my views being aired, my concern for the judges flashed all over, I am one of those people jo" daikhain gai".The express news "jo wa'ada kya hai, nibhana parray ga..." gives a clear message too. The GEO countdown struck a cord with lots of people anxiously waiting for the mUrrre declaration to take effect. The over a week long coverage of this issue on all current affairs program, will not let these politicians go back on their word. Zardari being the worst of the lot, Nawaz sharif is no angel either. He is playing for the next elections and going back on his word or showing any flexibility on key issues wouls be like throwing axe on his own feet, especially in the 24hrs glare of cameras around him. The media waits on every word, on every expression. Probably that's why zardari has been avoiding the media the last few days. but if this is what he is mind, he may never leave his Dubai abode again. The camera is out on the hunt.

Fingers crossed, waiting for the Lahore announcement. Hope it augurs wwell for Pakistan though Zardari says they have reserved their reaction till after Sharif's announcement. And that makes me wonder if Zardari had it all on his own, could we have even anticpated a change? Sharif vpoters deserve a pat on the back for bringign in a pressure group right in the corridors of power which wouldnt let zardari rest, chasing him all the way to DDDUBAAAAAIII where "I dont do politics, young lady!"